Cheddar Sour Cream Macaroni Salad
This creamy deli-style macaroni salad is packed with cheddar cubes, crisp veggies, and a tangy sour cream mayo dressing—perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or picnics.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-Bake / Stovetop (for pasta)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 lb box of Ziti Pasta
1.5 cups Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Sour Cream (or Mexican Crema)
1 Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
1 medium Red Onion, finely diced
2 stems Celery, finely diced
1 large Carrot, grated and minced
2 tsp Celery Salt (or to taste)
2 tsp Celery Seed (or to taste)
2 tbsp diced Pimientos with some liquid
1 lb block Cheddar Cheese, diced very small
1 bunch fresh Parsley, minced (optional)
2 tsp White Sugar
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
Prep the Veggies:
Finely dice the red onion, bell pepper, and celery. Add to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with celery salt and celery seed, then toss to coat. Add the diced pimientos with a bit of their liquid.
Add Carrot & Parsley:
Grate the carrot, then finely chop the grated pieces. Add to the veggie mixture. Mince fresh parsley if using and add it in.
Mix the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), and sugar. Add a pinch of celery seed and celery salt, if desired.
Combine Veggies & Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the veggie mix and toss well to coat. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Finish the Salad:
Add the cooked pasta to the dressed veggies and toss until evenly coated. Gently fold in the diced cheddar cheese.
Chill & Serve:
You can serve immediately, but for best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours or overnight.
Notes
The flavor gets better as it chills — it’s even more delicious the next day!
Use sharp or extra sharp cheddar for a bold cheese flavor.
Don’t skip rinsing the pasta — it stops the cooking and helps the salad stay fresh.
Great make-ahead dish for BBQs, cookouts, or meal prep.
Find it online: https://elladishes.com/cheddar-sour-cream-macaroni-salad/
